Mrs MacInnes resigned on Wednesday, six months and two weeks out from the next election.

Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Kerryn Shade confirmed he had put mechanisms in place for her replacement as required under the Local Government Act.

Mr Shade said Mrs MacInnes officially resigned on Wednesday and he had notified the state Local Government Minister Richard Wynne.

He said steps were now being put in place for a replacement, with a countback of the remaining defeated candidates the most likely outcome.

The reason for a countback of votes, instead of a by-election, stems from the fact that Horsham Rural City is not divided into wards like some other municipalities.

Mr Shade said that if Mrs MacInnes had resigned six months out from the election, council could have chosen to wait until the council elections in November to fill the vacancy, rather than rely on a recount.

Horsham Mayor Pam Clarke said Mr Shade had notified her of Mrs MacInnes' resignation straight away.

Cr Clarke said the resignation was `not entirely unexpected'.

"She had taken a two-month leave of absence," Cr Clarke said.

"Council had not a great deal to do with her in that period because she told us she wanted to have a break, and we allowed her to have that break."

Cr Clarke said Mrs MacInnes was a constructive member of council who had worked hard and served the community well.

"She has made huge contributions to the municipality," she said.

Cr Clarke said she was aware Mrs MacInnes had made Mr Shade aware of a few reasons behind her resignation, but Cr Clarke could not divulge them at this time.

She said Monday's council meeting would proceed as normal, with the process for Mrs MacInnes' replacement underway.

The Mail-Times called Mrs MacInnes yesterday afternoon.

Mrs MacInnes declined to comment on reasons for her resignation, but wanted to reassure the community that her health was fine.

•Horsham Rural City Council's 2005 election had two defeated candidates. Turn to page 3 for more information.